| abstract |
The present invention relates to a process for the fermentative production of a hydrocarbon, wherein a microorganism producing the hydrocarbon is cultured in a liquid fermentation medium in a fermenter, wherein an inlet gas comprising oxygen is fed into the fermenter and the total pressure of the inlet gas before introduction into the fermenter is about 1.5 bar to about 15 bar (about 150 kPa to about 1500 kPa), wherein the hydrocarbon is obtained in a gaseous state in the fermentation off-gas, and wherein the concentration of oxygen in the fermentation off-gas is controlled to be below about 10 vol-%. The process is particularly cost effective, eliminates or reduces the risk of inflammation of the fermentation off-gas, and facilitates the isolation of the hydrocarbon from the fermentation off-gas. |